Friday, April 1, 2011

YOU Can Make a QuiLt...I have proof.

I have wanted to attempt the quilt for quite some time now, but had absolutely no idea where to begin with one. Really, no idea. I was scared. So I put it off. Over and over again. But with a new little one coming I was feeling inspired to give it a go...somehow. I've come to learn that the Internet can 'teach' you to do pretty much anything. So I logged on and I searched and searched until I finally came across this, a beginning quilting series from Diary of a Quilter...she made me believe. She's got ALL the steps spelled out for you in black and white, from what supplies to start with all the way to binding your quilt...and she's so easy to follow! I was actually excited to get going!

So I went through my scraps...I didn't want to go out and purchase a bunch of fabric, just in case things went amiss. I knew I wanted to use different textures and patterns since I would be using this as a little tummy time mat for baby. So I got creative and pulled out some knit, minky, and even a ruffled pillow sham that I had left over from the nursery pillows.

Then it was time to lay out my squares in the pattern I thought worked.

Then following the instructions from Diary of a Quilter I started piecing my quilt and made rows with my squares...

And ironed my seams...the iron will become your very best friend during this project!

Next I sewed my rows together.

And it started to look like something that resembled an actual quilt. I added my borders and batting and backing and really started to get excited because there were now layers to my quilt. But the excitement came to a screeching halt when I learned that I had to baste my quilt. Huh!? I had never heard of such a thing! Who knew this step existed? And that there was spray and special basting pins involved. Well, I was on a roll and wasn't about to throw in the towel at this point, so even with being ill prepared and without proper equipment...I rolled on, with regular old safety pins. And I'll tell you, they worked just fine.

Okay, so this is where I started to get a little nervous. It was time to actually quilt...that is to say, SeW. Preferably in straight lines. And because I was a little lazy (and really anxious to finish) I totally skipped a step and didn't draw lines to mark where to sew...such a rebel. I just eyeballed my way through, and do you know, some of the lines actually lined up!

So at this point I am jumping up and down that I might actually see this thing through. All there was left to do was finish with a little binding. So I cut my strips and pinned...

30 comments:

This is GORGEOUS!! I love it!! I love that gray polka-dot as the grounding fabric, I have seen that and am wanting to do something with it. I would have never thought of using a ruffle on a pillow sham! That is so cute and it adds fun texture!! I am inspired, thank you!

WOW. This is REALLY REALLY amazing! You did such a GREAT job!!! :) I made a quilt not too long ago for the first time. I am happy to come across this post and see the link for the how-to!! You have saved me from future headaches!

This is beautiful...I love the colors you chose. Thanks so much for including a tutorial - I have always wanted to make a quilt, but have been too terrified...so you have given me hope ;)Your daughter's nursery is beautiful..I love everything you have done. good luck in the next few days...such an exciting time for your family to welcome a baby girl

This was inspiring! I have always wanted to try quilting, but have felt some-what overwhelmed and oblivious! (I do have to learn how to use a sewing machine properly) but like you said, god bless internet tutorials!

This is great!! I just blogged how scared I was about starting a quilt pattern from Amy butler so I will def use ur tutorial advise and Amy butlers flower designs!! Here's the post: http://bizzy-bs.blogspot.com/2011/04/2nd-tutorial-tuesday.htmlWow I'm inspired now! Thank u!!!

Hi thereCongratulations on your baby quilt! My story is the same as yours. Putting it off, putting it off, tackling it with help from Diary of a quilter and since then I haven't stopped. Love your color combos. Really cute. You have done a maginficant job. You should be really REALLY proud of yourself. Good luck with the baby, who by the way will LOVE those dots.

We find out this week if we're expecting a boy or girl and I've been looking for nursery ideas. THIS IS IT - we can do it for a boy or girl with the fabrics we select, and baby's grandma is so anxious to get sewing (and teaching me to use my own machine) for this babe. I'm so excited! Thank you for posting and congratulations on your little one!

Great job! Popped over from UCreate and checked u out! Adorable quilt and I LOVE that u repurposed other fabric-a true scrap quilt! I've set my quilting aside for that last few years to scrapbook and paper craft, but your post makes me itch to get back to it. I too found Diary of a Quilter and she is so generous with her time and talents on her blog.Anyway-big ups to you on your quilt! I'm sure your little one will love her tummy-time on it!

This quilt is FANTASTIC! I've been wanting to try, but I keep being put off by the thought of having to sew it all together. How do you run the whole quilt through your machine, keep the lines straight, and not get it bunched up on itself? (Obviously, I am a sewing newbie!)

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So, what's the 'dill'? Why the fickle? I'm a girl who likes variety, a little change, is a bit indecisive, a little crazy at times...just plain fiCkLe. I like to craft and create in my spare time...problem is, I can't settle on one craft to create. Here you will find my lastest creative obsession(s). Enjoy...be fiCkLe!